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Leaf River, IL vs Waterman, IL

63
Leaf River
Illinois
VS
-21.3%
81
Waterman
Illinois

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Leaf River is 21.3% cheaper than Waterman. With a cost index of 63 vs 81, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Leaf River to Waterman should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Leaf River is $795/month compared to $897/month in Waterman — a 11% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Leaf River is more affordable at $93,600 median vs $212,900.

Median household income in Leaf River is $75,903 compared to $97,386 in Waterman (-22.1%). While Waterman is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Leaf River spend roughly 12.6% of their income on rent, more than the 11.1% in Waterman.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (49.4°F vs 47.8°F). Waterman receives more rainfall at 37.4" per year compared to 37.2" in Leaf River.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Leaf River
63
21% cheaper
Waterman
81
Median Household Income
Leaf River
$75,903
Waterman
$97,386
22% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Leaf River
$795
11% cheaper
Waterman
$897
Median Home Value
Leaf River
$93,600
56% cheaper
Waterman
$212,900
Population
Leaf River
475
Waterman
1,419

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Leaf River $2.85
Waterman $3.20
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Leaf River $2.33
Waterman $2.61
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Leaf River $3.75
Waterman $4.20
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Leaf River $1.72
Waterman $1.93
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Leaf River $3.86
Waterman $4.32
US $4.14
Electricity
Leaf River $0.16
Waterman $0.15
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Leaf River 49.4°F
Waterman 47.8°F
Summer High
Leaf River 84°F
Waterman 82°F
Winter Low
Leaf River 15°F
Waterman 13°F
Rainfall
Leaf River 37.2"
Waterman 37.4"
Rainy Days
Leaf River 121d
Waterman 131d